Day 31:

Click for for Today's Scripture Reading: 1 Sam 21–24 | Prov 14:15–35 | Acts 6

1 SAMUEL 23

Guidance. A gifted leader like David might have been tempted to depend on his experience; instead, he turned to the Lord for the guidance he needed. Even the counsel of his men did not sway him once he knew the mind of the Lord.

Treachery. David rescued the citizens of Keilah, yet they planned to turn him and his men over to Saul! Do not expect everybody you help to appreciate what you have done. Do you appreciate what others have done for you?

Love. Although his father was out to kill David, Jonathan was brave enough to visit David and encourage him. That is what friendship is all about (Prov. 17:17). How tragic that Jonathan’s hopes for the future were destroyed by his father’s sins, but at least Jonathan was willing to be second man.

Providence. Ziph belonged to Judah (Josh. 15:24), so the citizens should have been loyal to David. They were obviously trying to curry favor with Saul, and they did not believe that David was their future king. God used an invasion of the Philistines to rescue David when it looked as if Saul’s forces would win. No matter what men may do, God works out His purposes, and His providence does not fail.

 Wiersbe, Warren W. With the Word Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991. Print.